Marathon training at 4 days / week

Running fast and slow wrote:

That seems like sound advice. However, what I am looking for, is someone who can say "Listen, son, if you do exactly this for the coming 26 weeks, you will run a 2.58 marathon". But I guess that's asking a wee bit too much..

I think if it were that simple the marathon would not be so alluring.

David S. Pumpkins wrote:

Running fast and slow wrote:

That seems like sound advice. However, what I am looking for, is someone who can say "Listen, son, if you do exactly this for the coming 26 weeks, you will run a 2.58 marathon". But I guess that's asking a wee bit too much..

I think if it were that simple the marathon would not be so alluring.

Yes, tell me about it...

There is nothing simple about the marathon. It would be nice if it were simple, but it is not. Even if you have great fitness, things can still go wrong. Ask the pros--they fail all the time.

This is a very interesting thread. I am in a similar situation. Came to running later in life, and my aim now is a sub-3:00 marathon. Have been thinking about exactly what is being discussed here: use a 4-day per week schedule, and go in on lower mileage.

You have received good advice here, and Allen1959 is a sharp guy. David S.P. is pretty sharp, too.

All the best and happy running...